The owner of The Three Spires in Lichfield has published new CGIs of the proposed multi-screen cinema – as it closes in on a deal with a leading national operator. M Core, one of the largest, privately held commercial property portfolios in the UK, which acquired the outdoor shopping centre
Birmingham City Council’s planning committee have approved the development of Curzon Wharf, the world’s first mixed-use net zero carbon ready development. The decision was expected to be made back in February however the committee wanted further information around the size and affordability of the homes. Woodbourne Group have offered to
SPECIALIST retrofit decarbonisation turnkey provider Sustainable Building Services (SBS) has made two new promotions to its board of directors as annual turnover is forecasted to increase to more than £50 million. Steve Roberts and Ian Jones, both regional directors, have joined managing director Gary Lawson, divisional director Mike Easdon and
IN the latest of several framework announcements, leading procurement provider Pagabo has today (3 May) revealed the 93 suppliers appointed to its £1 billion refit and refurbishment framework, which goes live today. This is the second iteration of the refit and refurbishment framework, including Overbury, Morris & Spottiswood and Lindum.
Works on Coal House, an ultra-green, next generation office space in Cardiff city centre, have now been completed after a significant redevelopment programme. Thought to now be one of the most sustainable offices in Wales, Coal House, on Dumfries Place, has undergone a huge transformation, resulting in a cutting-edge 30,000
Thermo Bamboo is a luxurious decking product available by Wallbarn Ltd and is truly one of the most sustainable materials available for construction projects due to its environmental performance, fire resistance, longevity and structural performance. This ultra-hard, compressed bamboo fibre board is ideal for high trafficked decking applications as it
Leading construction consultant, Currie & Brown, has announced a series of new hires to boost the firm’s technical expertise, and deliver advisory services to lenders and investors across a raft of large-scale PPP projects across the UK and internationally. The new team is made up of Jonathan Wilson, Director, Simon
FIS member, construction materials supplier Euroform has introduced a new direct render base board called Versarend®. An A1 non-combustible exterior grade board, Versarend® is cement based yet light weight with ‘score and snap’ workability, so is quick to install. Already tested with a range of polymeric renders, Versarend® has been
One of the Midlands largest housing associations is a finalist in a top awards scheme. Platform Housing Group has been shortlisted in the inaugural Unlock Net Zero Awards under the Green Homes Upgrade of the Year category for landlords. The awards aim to recognise and champion progress on the journey to decarbonisation for the UK housing
Land & Water, the UK’s leading wet civil engineering firm, is in the process of completing the largest winter dredge of Gloucester Dock. The firm, which carries out work at the dock and on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal each year as part of an ongoing framework with the Canal
The owner of The Three Spires in Lichfield has published new CGIs of the proposed multi-screen cinema – as it closes in on a deal with a leading national operator. M Core, one of the largest, privately held commercial property portfolios in the UK, which acquired the outdoor shopping centre last summer, has included a stylish roof terrace – accessed via lifts to floors one and two – which will have stunning views over the city and Cathedral. Last month, it agreed terms for the joint venture with Lichfield District Council and now it is close to signing an operator, in the hope of starting the transformation of the former Debenhams store in Q3 once planning is submitted this summer. Phil Murphy, head of property and transactions at Evolve Estates, which is part of M Core and is leading the JV scheme, said: “It’s great to have agreed heads of terms for the cinema space, and the joint venture solicitors are significantly progressed in formalising the legal agreement with an operator. “During the initial design stage, the JV whittled down cinema operators to three – The Light, Everyman and Reel – and while it’s not commercially prudent to advise on deal specifics until legal documents are signed, I can confirm the operator is every bit aligned with the renowned and ever progressive Three Spires we are developing. “We wanted the operator to have a name as big as Lichfield, for it to be synonymous with quality and for the interior experience really wow whilst having a pre-showing drink or bite to eat. From visiting a number of its London sites, I know it offers all this and more.” As well as the cinema, the Three Spires owner has also redesigned the wider proposal to include more leisure space and is in detailed discussions with a nationally known cocktail bar and a further leisure operator to bring their brands to the city for the first time. “When we first took ownership last summer, we made a promise to the people of Lichfield that we would maximise its potential and we continue to invest our time, energy and money into making Three Spires an exciting leisure destination for both this city’s residents and tourists alike,” added Murphy. Three Spires attracts 9.9 million shoppers a year and has two car parks – Backcester Lane and Gresley Row – with over 160 vehicle parking spaces. It is also abuts the city’s bus station and railway station. For details about opportunities at Three Spires, contact Philip Murphy on 07850 079782.
Birmingham City Council’s planning committee have approved the development of Curzon Wharf, the world’s first mixed-use net zero carbon ready development. The decision was expected to be made back in February however the committee wanted further information around the size and affordability of the homes. Woodbourne Group have offered to increase the affordable housing offer from 3% to 5%, meaning 31 units will be classed as affordable to satisfy the council. The 564 ft, £360m Curzon Wharf scheme will be situated next to Dartmouth Circus Island and be comprised of 498 built-to-rent units, a 41 storey tower with up to 732 units of purpose-built student accommodation and a 14 storey development with up to 122 units of residential space. More than 3,000 sq ft of the total space will be dedicated to retail with plans for more than 15,000 sq. ft of leisure and dining out space. Paul Kitson, director of place, prosperity, and sustainability at Birmingham City Council, said: “Curzon Wharf is an exciting project for Birmingham and builds upon our ambition to be a greener and more sustainable city. Being home to the world’s first mixed-use net zero carbon ready development is something we’re immensely proud of and after six years in planning, we’re delighted that the £360m development has been given the green light to rejuvenate a key gateway into the city, as well as becoming another key piece of the Birmingham skyline.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SPECIALIST retrofit decarbonisation turnkey provider Sustainable Building Services (SBS) has made two new promotions to its board of directors as annual turnover is forecasted to increase to more than £50 million. Steve Roberts and Ian Jones, both regional directors, have joined managing director Gary Lawson, divisional director Mike Easdon and chairman Derek Horrocks on the now-five-man board. These promotions are two of four senior appointments across the business, with Daniel Owens and Dwayne Jones both stepping into roles as regional operations managers. The changes are integral to a wider restructuring, which sees the creation of five regional management teams to facilitate the healthy stream of work that the business has secured. Regional management will be a fluid concept, with the five regional directors and managers in position responsible for multiple projects across the country at any one time. Holding almost 20 years of experience with the business between them, those recently promoted will be integral in the continued endorsement of excellence, meeting PAS 2035 principles, consistent delivery of high-quality resident engagement, innovation, high-quality whole house retrofit projects, and providing career opportunities within the retrofit sector. Steve Roberts said: “Having progressed through the company, I can safely say that there is opportunity here for those that want to seize it. Not only can we learn a lot from recent success and growth, but we can also influence change too. “At a board level, I look forward to contributing more to the business’ overarching strategy, while at a regional level I will continue to ensure that our pipeline of work is carried out to the highest standard and with the passion we all share for improving living conditions, reducing fuel poverty and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis through the decarbonisation of homes.” “Our clients love working with us because of who we are and what we stand for, which makes us relatable. We’re all an important part of the business, from apprentice to director, and our recent growth is a reflection of this.” Sustainable Building Services was recently crowned Retrofit Contractor of the Year by The Retrofit Academy, and is set to deliver multiple circa £15 million projects awarded funding through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 2. Gary Lawson, managing director at Sustainable Building Services, said: “The recent changes and appointments are proof that you can work your way to the top at Sustainable Building Services and there is no limit to the rewards that success can bring. “Moreover, there is not just one route for doing so. For example, Daniel Owens has risen from quantity surveyor to regional operations manager, which should inspire others who have similar ambitions to grow as individuals and be the deciders in their own destiny.” To discover more about Sustainable Building Service’s mission to decarbonise the UK’s housing stock, visit its website at:www.sustainablebuildinguk.com
IN the latest of several framework announcements, leading procurement provider Pagabo has today (3 May) revealed the 93 suppliers appointed to its £1 billion refit and refurbishment framework, which goes live today. This is the second iteration of the refit and refurbishment framework, including Overbury, Morris & Spottiswood and Lindum. Meanwhile, new suppliers include the likes of John Sisk & Son, Stepnell and Tilbury Douglas. The framework’s total value has increased to £1 billion to meet the demand for Pagabo’s ever-growing national client base across all major business sectors. Suppliers have been appointed across regional sublots, which sit under the five main value-based lots: The large increase in total suppliers is a result of Pagabo’s dedication to providing fair access for organisations of any size, with 68% of the appointed parties being SMEs. This dedication is to provide ample choice for clients, and to ensure the generation of maximum positive social impact for communities in which schemes will be delivered. Jason Stapley, chief procurement officer at Pagabo and its parent organisation The 55 Group, said: “With the focus on meeting net zero targets, many clients are becoming increasingly aware of the role refit and refurbishment will have on emissions across their assets and estates. It’s why it was so important to us to work with existing client organisations, specialists and the contracting authority to make sure this second-generation framework was absolutely fit for purpose. “It’s been a huge effort from all involved to reach this point and launch the framework to market. Along with making sure everything we bring to market stays at the forefront of best practice and pushing the gold standard in procurement, we have been able to examine what works well and where we could make changes for greater benefit. “The big increase in suppliers is down to a higher level of SME appointment than the original framework – something we’re dedicated to increasing all the time. We know that locality breeds the best social value possible, with SMEs and microbusinesses being absolutely central to this. We’re very much looking forward to seeing the first procurements come through the framework, and to see the difference all these suppliers will be able to make for clients and communities around the UK.” The framework will run for four years, providing a compliant and collaborative route to market for public sector clients to appoint suppliers through both direct award and further competition processes. To fully embed social value into the heart of all procurement activity from the outset of projects, all appointed suppliers and clients will have access to a free version of Loop’s social value calculation tool for Pagabo procured works. The contracting authority for the new framework is Red Kite Learning Trust (RKLT), which is continuing the role from the original framework. The 93 companies that have been awarded a place on the new framework (in alphabetical order) are: For more information, please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Works on Coal House, an ultra-green, next generation office space in Cardiff city centre, have now been completed after a significant redevelopment programme. Thought to now be one of the most sustainable offices in Wales, Coal House, on Dumfries Place, has undergone a huge transformation, resulting in a cutting-edge 30,000 sq ft office building that is net zero carbon in operation[1], stylishly designed and promotes health, wellbeing and productivity. Formerly known as Dumfries House, Coal House has been redeveloped by investor and developer Create, which is currently in talks with several potential tenants about taking space in part of the building. Coal House is 100% powered by renewable energy, partly by its own solar panels, with an energy-efficient heating, ventilation and comfort cooling system, as well as LED lighting, to keep energy use to a minimum. Smart building technology, including a network of intelligent sensors, monitors and manages air quality, energy consumption, temperature and occupancy of the spaces, helping to save energy and cost. Tenants can access the real-time data through the bespoke CoalHouse.Life app, enabling cost efficiency and accurate ESG[2] reporting. A zero-to-landfill waste management system and low-flow water appliances are also in place. With spaces for both creative collaboration and quiet contemplation, Coal House is home to the Atrium Lounge and speciality coffee and juice bar, the Coffee Bar, with a proportion of profits made from drink sales donated to a local charity chosen by the Coal House tenants. A calendar of events curated by the Coal House team and space for businesses to hold their own events will pave the way for an inclusive community feel by creating opportunities to socialise and forge new connections. Other features of the Coal House app include breakfast and lunch deliveries to your office as well as meeting catering – all provided by Cardiff-based The Tidy Kitchen Co, which provides quality convenience and luxury healthy food. The app also offers a visitor management system, as well as access to services that can be arranged by the concierge team, such as dry cleaning, cycle repair and car valeting. Local discounts and offers, including for a nearby nursery, coffee shops and bike servicing, are also available for tenants via the app. Careful attention has been paid to create an industrial-chic aesthetic within the space by award-winning design agency Run for The Hills. The shared spaces draw on a biophilic design approach, which brings the beauty and calm of the outdoors inside. Plenty of plants and natural materials, such as sustainable bamboo, eco-engineered timber and recycled weave flooring, aim to boost residents’ creativity, productivity and well-being. Ricky Humphreys, director of Create, said: “We are delighted to have given a new lease of life to this once dated city centre office building, creating a highly sustainable, future-fit workplace that will provide an inspiring and attractive working environment with plenty of perks for businesses and staff. We set out to achieve an optimal balance between retaining the embodied carbon in the existing building and keeping energy consumption to a minimum, in line with our goal to make Coal House somewhere environmentally conscious businesses would feel proud to be based.” Coal House is equipped with eight electric vehicle charging points and grab-and-go community bikes for use by the on-site community. There is generous secure cycle storage and car parking, showers and changing facilities, as well as a DIY bike maintenance station where bike users and visiting technicians can carry out repairs and servicing. Coal House is just five minutes on foot from Cardiff Queen Street and a short walk to Cardiff Central. Kieran Crowe, director and head of net zero buildings at the Low Carbon Alliance, which acted as a consultant on Coal House, said: “Coal House has showcased the ability to achieve net zero in operational status and an impressive EPC ‘A’ rating through retrofit, by utilising standard fit-out practices alongside technology. “The building self-generates most of its power needs through rooftop PV and does not utilise any fossil fuels. I hope other developers and property funds can take inspiration from this building and understand that great outcomes for the environment are possible and commercially viable. As members and partner of UKGBC’s Advancing Net Zero programme, we have taken Coal House forward as a leading example of retrofit for net zero.” There is between 3,000 – 30,000 sq ft of high quality space available to let immediately at Coal House, aimed at companies who want to take a conventional lease but with the added amenities not typically provided in many office buildings. The space, which has disabled access, has superfast plug and play fibre connectivity and can be fitted out according to tenants’ requirements, and even provided on a fully serviced basis. The building has achieved Wired Score Platinum, SKA Gold and AirRated Platinum, as well as targeting Fitwell two stars and BREEAM Excellent. Coal House is marketed for let by Savills and Knight Frank in Cardiff. Interested businesses should contact Gary Carver at Savills via gcarver@savills.com or by calling 07972 000 171, or Mark Sutton at Knight Frank via mark.sutton@knightfrank.com or by calling 07919 395 593. Visit https://www.coalhouse.co.uk/ to find out more. [1] The redevelopment of Coal House has been aligned to the definition of Net Zero Carbon published by UKGBC. Coal House has to date achieved an EPC A rating, which verifies the building is highly efficient. [2] Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thermo Bamboo is a luxurious decking product available by Wallbarn Ltd and is truly one of the most sustainable materials available for construction projects due to its environmental performance, fire resistance, longevity and structural performance. This ultra-hard, compressed bamboo fibre board is ideal for high trafficked decking applications as it has superb dimensional stability, resistance to scratching and a 25-year warranty. Wallbarn believes it should be considered a sustainable natural decking product for the following reasons:-Source material-Long term durability and performance-Fire Safety-Warranty and reuse Source materialThermo bamboo is sourced, obviously, from bamboo forests. However, bamboo is a fast growing grass, not wood. The stems are not cut down but “mown” down to the roots. Therefore, the bamboo plants remain alive so grow back immediately after harvesting. Crucially the roots are not ripped out of the ground, so the topsoil on the forest floor is less disturbed.This means no deforestation and higher yields from a smaller jungle footprint. Fast replenishing forestsBamboo is extremely fast growing, up to 1 metre per day, the forests are fully replenished within 4-5 years. This fast turnaround compares to 40 years for fir trees, around 100 years for tropical wood and up to 300 years for oak. CO2 captureBamboo Elegance is rated as CO2 neutral. Since the fibre can be harvested so quickly and the finished decking material has a 25 year plus lifespan (and far longer recycled use) the CO2, which is absorbed during the growing process of the bamboo shoots, is locked in for longer. Furthermore, by growing new bamboo every 4-5 years at least 5 new batches of bamboo fibre are produced for every batch harvested. Therefore, more CO2 is captured through the new plants. EPD – Environmental Product DeclarationThermo Bamboo is covered by EPD , the Environmental Product Declaration (in accordance with EN 15804) which is a ‘cradle to gate’ environmental impact assessment for products over their entire lifecycle, including transport through to installation on site and End of Life. It is extremely rare for a “hardwood” material to be covered by EPD and it is important to look for products that have an EPD to assess their environmental impact. Long term durability and performance Thermo processThe thermo process turns bamboo fibres into an ultra-hard “hardwood” with incredible strength and dimensional stability. The fibres are steamed rather than being kiln dried. This removes the moisture and sugars from the fibres and the fibres are then pressed and glued together under heavy pressure. Super hard deckingThis makes Thermo Bamboo denser, drier and more rot-proof than tropical hardwoods with a specific gravity of 1,200kg/m3. It has a Brinell strength of 87 N/mm2, has incredible bending strength and is rated Class 1 Durable under EN350/CEN/TS 15083. Dimensional stabilityBecause the original fibres are grass not wood, Thermo Bamboo has a straight grain and does not contain knots. This reduces shearing and splintering considerably. The finished decking material does not twist and does not curl with temperature changes. It does not absorb moisture or swell at all meaning tongue-and-groove joints between the ends of boards is possible and concealed milling profiles can be used without any risk of the surface bulging. Fungi and rot proofThe thermo process also removes bacteria and fungi activity from the bamboo fibres. The sugars are boiled out of the material meaning there is nothing for these agents to feast on, creating a more rot-proof decking product. The material has been independently tested for mould infestation and achieved the rating “0”, meaning “The surface of the material is resistant against mould fungi” and “The surface of the material does not provide a nutrient source.” No spores were found whatsoever. Fire safetyUnlike most other natural decking products Thermo Bamboo carries a EuroClasse fire rating of Bfl-s1. With the correct non-combustible substructure system it is possible to achieve B Roof T4 for flat roofs and podium deck construction. The benefits of a natural surface on such projects to soften the aspect and alleviate the noise somewhat should not be dismissed. Warranty and reuseThermo Bamboo carries a performance warranty of 25 years. When compared to softwood, which has a lifespan of around 5-7 years and even composites and hardwoods which often do not carry such lengthy warranties, the extended lifespan of Thermo Bamboo enhances its sustainability credentials. Its lifespan is far longer than the warrantied period and even when the decking is removed at a future date, the material can and should be recycled since it will lose hardly any of its strength and mechanical durability. Thermo Bamboo is ideal decking material. It is fast growing and harvesting has far less impact on the local environment. The finished decking material is super hard, dimensionally stable with superior resistance to weathering. It has a rich colour which naturally fades and is high performance, premium product. It is suitable for high end domestic and commercial decking projects including areas subject to high levels of foot traffic. It the ideal low environmental impact and premium product. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading construction consultant, Currie & Brown, has announced a series of new hires to boost the firm’s technical expertise, and deliver advisory services to lenders and investors across a raft of large-scale PPP projects across the UK and internationally. The new team is made up of Jonathan Wilson, Director, Simon Bate and Liam Potts, Associate Directors and Andrew Henderson, FM Consultant. The team boasts over 60 years of combined industry experience, across a portfolio of social infrastructure projects ranging from Government Accommodation such as HM Treasury, to major healthcare projects such as the Royal London and St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London and Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. The team will complement Currie & Brown’s existing PPP expertise, with each new member bringing unique and long-standing experience of PPP projects. Their exceptional reputations and skill set in this market will significantly increase Currie & Brown’s contribution to delivering many of these projects across the UK. During the next decade nearly 300 major PFI contracts in the UK covering a range of assets, including hospitals, prisons, and schools, will reach the end of their term. The team’s combined insight and expertise means they will be able to offer support and advice as assets transition back from private sector operation. Beyond the UK, the new team will also bolster Currie & Brown’s capacity to leverage its existing work in the Middle East and expand into Africa, where parent company, Dar Group, is already a major player. Commenting on the appointments, Nick Gray, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Jon, Simon, Liam and Andrew to Currie & Brown. They each possess exceptional skills that will complement our existing capabilities perfectly and help us better position ourselves to support the wave of PPP projects that are rapidly reaching an inflection point. “As a business, we’re in a fantastic position to make a great contribution on a number of important projects. We have a robust strategy in place and a winning team to deliver it.” Jonathan Wilson adds: “I am really pleased to be joining Currie & Brown and that our long-standing team will continue to work together in providing services to clients and projects many of which we are proud to have been associated with for over 20 years. The opportunity to develop Currie & Brown’s capacity, both in the UK PFI market and the wider international PPP sector, presents an exciting challenge which we look forward to.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
FIS member, construction materials supplier Euroform has introduced a new direct render base board called Versarend®. An A1 non-combustible exterior grade board, Versarend® is cement based yet light weight with ‘score and snap’ workability, so is quick to install. Already tested with a range of polymeric renders, Versarend® has been tested by a number of leading render system suppliers. Versarend® has achieved A1 Euroclass reaction to fire classification, making it suitable for a direct render carrier board where a non-combustible façade is required, providing all other components are non-combustible, says Euroform. It is UKCA marked according to BS EN 12467:2012+A2:2018 ‘fibre cement flat sheets’ “Versarend® is particularly innovative, because it can easily be cut with a utility knife and snapped to size without the requirement for power tools as is usually the case with traditional render base boards, thereby minimising dust and noise, and greatly increasing speed of installation,” said Roland Culverhouse, technical product manager at Euroform. Versarend® is manufactured via a unique process combining Ordinary Portland Cement and a reinforcing matrix that enhances the workability and handling properties over traditional fibre cement boards. It is a 12mm board in sheet size of 2400 x 1200 that is compatible with standard stud spacings/layout. Versarend® is highly moisture tolerant and will not rot or degrade. For technical data visit https://www.euroform.co.uk/ Euroform has been developing, fabricating and supplying materials for the construction industry since 1995. Euroform specialises in ensuring fire and thermal compliance across its product range. Each product is supported by an experienced and knowledgeable technical team to provide advice and guidance. Based at Warrington, Euroform is part of Performance Technology Group an SIG Trading Ltd group of companies specialising in supporting the construction industry to meet acoustic, fire, thermal and vibration challenges. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the Midlands largest housing associations is a finalist in a top awards scheme. Platform Housing Group has been shortlisted in the inaugural Unlock Net Zero Awards under the Green Homes Upgrade of the Year category for landlords. The awards aim to recognise and champion progress on the journey to decarbonisation for the UK housing sector and the supply chain that supports it. The winners will be unveiled at a ceremony on Tuesday 27 June at Manchester Central, alongside Europe’s largest housing festival, the 8500 colleague strong Housing 2023. Kunle Barker, property expert, broadcaster and founder of Barker Walsh, will host this year’s awards; he is also this year’s Unlock Net Zero ambassador. Stephen Edwards, Head of Sustainability at Platform Housing Group said : “It is an honour to be recognised in this category among some ground breaking initiatives that are working hard to overcome many challenges. It’s an enormous privilege to work in housing and to play a small part in driving the agenda for sustainable and energy efficient homes that our communities and planet so desperately need. I’m really looking forward to hearing about the amazing accomplishments of the nominees at the event in June and meeting with fellow colleagues pushing for change.” Platform Housing Group’s award entry focussed on the 341 homes retrofitted under the Green Home Grant – or GHG – Local Authority Scheme, which ran between April 2021 and September 2022, and the ongoing development of its retrofit programme through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. Platform also reduced the carbon emissions of these homes by 60 per cent, saving almost 3 tonnes CO2 per home per year. Measures installed include loft insulation, air source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic panels. The UK housing sector continues to build new low carbon homes whilst ensuring existing homes are retrofitted to reach the UK government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050. Under the government funded GHG scheme, Platform was able to achieve an average increase of 2 EPC points ratings – measure of energy performance – taking the average property from an Energy Performance Certificate – or EPC – rating of E to a rating of C; this represents an estimated energy bill saving for each customer of £500 per year. Stephen concluded: “These awards are an important opportunity to take a step back and review how far we’ve come and share inspiration for where we go next in this transition. This shortlisting acknowledges Platform’s strong commitment to sustainability and delivering on our energy and decarbonisation targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Land & Water, the UK’s leading wet civil engineering firm, is in the process of completing the largest winter dredge of Gloucester Dock. The firm, which carries out work at the dock and on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal each year as part of an ongoing framework with the Canal & River Trust, will be carrying out backhoe dredging to remove approximately 5,000m3 of silt in order to improve navigation for vessels in the dock. The silt will then be spread onto local agricultural land as part of Land & Water’s environmental commitment as it prioritises enhancing local havens for wildlife and increasing biodiversity. Lucy Lee, Contracts Manager at Land & Water, says: “The lack of rainfall and increasing temperatures in the UK has led to a lot of sediment building up across a range of docks and canals, including at Gloucester Dock. “Up until April, the Land & Water team will be using its specialist equipment to increase the depth of the waterway in areas that require improvement in order to restore the navigation channel through the docks and free boats trapped by silt. “We are proud to be continuing our work with the Canal & River Trust to improve the UK’s network of waterways and to maintain Gloucester Dock and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.” Land & Water has held a framework contract with the Canal & River Trust for over 20 years and has been working at Gloucester Dock to carry out a range of services including water injection dredging in the east channel of the River Severn in Gloucester and debris clearance on Worcester Bridge. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
